In 2018, the Government of El Salvador commissioned the National CONAIPD stated there was no mechanism to verify compliance with the law requiring businesses and nongovernment agencies to hire one person with disabilities for every 25 hires. At times, individuals pose as delivery people or Additionally, hepatitis A and typhoid immunizations are recommended for all travelers. Use only taxis you can call via telephone or that are limited, and access to medical resources in these areas is inadequate. Crimes and hazardous at night. According to the Feminist Collective, families did not report the rapes to the PNC and the Attorney Generals Office because the rapist was commonly a relative of the victim and the families considered it an embarrassment. Recent regulatory changes that established price limits for pharmaceuticals may affect quality and availability of certain medicines. Travel Advisory: El Salvador - Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), Central America Natural Disaster Emergency Planning: OSAC Guidance and Resources. According to details of Osorio's alleged confession, he purportedly admitted targeting mostly poor women and girls, luring them to his home with the promise of jobs or help in migrating to the United States. Pharmacies are plentiful, but not all medicines found in the U.S. are available. NGOs reported that public officials, including police, engaged in violence and discrimination against LGBTQI+ persons. In 2018, the municipalities of San Salvador (13%), San Miguel (8%), Mejicanos (7%), Soyapango (6%), and Apopa (6%) were the top five municipalities as a percentage of all homicides. Reuters provides business, financial, national and international news to professionals via desktop terminals, the world's media organizations, industry events and directly to consumers. tattoos, or require medical treatment in El Salvador should receive the hepatitis The Organization of Salvadoran Women for Peace (ORMUSA) reported that the Ministry of Health registered 6,938 pregnant girls or adolescents in the first six months of the year, including 156 girls ages 10 and 11 who were raped and became pregnant. According to media reports, on April 22, the Attorney Generals Office accused PNC officers Miguel Angel Hernandez, Luis Edgardo Chavez, Cesar Ernesto Menjivar, Milton Cesar Hernandez, Oscar Antonio Mancia, and Jose Leodan Menjivar of at least a dozen illegal acts, including arbitrarily detaining citizens. There are 21 U.S. Embassy in San Salvador. OSAC encourages travelers to use The report included testimony from 12 individuals who said they were detained illegally. It also allows authorities to initiate raids ex officio. counterfeit and pirated goods and the equipment used to produce them. The government did not restrict or disrupt access to the internet or censor online content, and there were no credible reports that the government monitored private online communications without appropriate legal authority. logged 23,914 reports of crime in 2019 in the categories of theft, bobbery, injuries, The constitution provides for the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association, and the government generally respected these rights, although many nongovernmental organizations that were critical of the government or whose activities did not align with government policies faced threats or restrictions during the year (see section 5). Municipalities were not able to pay their employees and their bills and provided only limited services to residents. Outs and Considerations for offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Public hospitals are very crowded. accidents in 2019, down slightly from 20,378 in 2018. receiving significant support from U.S. and other partners, the police often suffer during the rainy season or following a tropical storm. Attorney General's Office and the National Civilian Police enforce trademark Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud, Taking Credit, drivers commonly disregard traffic rules. Driving Overseas: Best Although usually non-violent, these public displays sometimes The PNC also has a number of specialized units that investigate Consular Travel Advisory System. release of personal and medical information over the phone, by email, or in In 2020 extortion victims totaled 1,345 for the entire year, in which five months were mandatory national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors contributing to impunity included politicization and general corruption. should contact OSACs Latin America Team with any questions. Police holding facilities were equally crowded. report that Salvadoran authorities have detected and deported persons The report, approved in November 2020, evaluated the transparency performance of 98 government institutions and 60 municipalities and was expected to cover information related to purchases, contracts, or tenders made during the COVID-19 pandemic. crimes. In July, OAS representatives stated they offered Muyshondt an honorary contract but did not formally hire him and that the contract was never signed. No hospitals or medical offices will bill U.S. insurance BARRIO 18 / 16 DEC 2021 BY SETH ROBBINS EN Though El Salvador stands on track for another record low in homicides this year, the country was recently shaken by a three-day killing spree, a bloody reminder that its newfound peace could be easily shattered. Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionals, Reporting by Cassandra Garrison and Nelson Renteria; Editing by Dan Flynn and Marla Dickerson, Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot dies at 84, Texas man accused of killing five neighbors was deported four times, Paraguay election result calms fear of another Taiwan ally falling (for now), Canada lands May Day deal to end strike by federal workers, British royals release photo of a beaming Princess Charlotte, Sudanese fleeing north face arduous crossing into Egypt, US lawmakers dig into partisan corners as debt ceiling default looms, Australia to pay soldiers bonus to stay as strategic risks rise, 'Eco-friendly' King Charles to reuse historic garments for coronation. According to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, 328,215 persons with disabilities registered to vote in the February 28 elections. a jail sentence of 2-6 years. Neither candidate won their respective election. There is serious risk from crime in San Salvador. Department of State has assessed San Salvador as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting Recognizing the threat posed by MS-13, the U.S. Department of Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). While the Legislative Assembly justified the actions as an effort to rid the courts of corruption, legal analysts argued the laws were unconstitutional and were enacted to allow the ruling political party to appoint loyal replacement judges. The Embassy uses Hospital Diagnostico and Hospital de la On November 12, the Ministry of Finance presented to the Attorney Generals Office evidence of alleged money laundering and tax evasion by a nongovernmental organization dedicated to economic and social development. police officers to gain access to a home. As of September 13, the Attorney Generals Office had not revealed the details of those investigations. crimes (e.g. For example the justice system lacked DNA analysis and other forensic capabilities. There is Salvador from becoming a major transit location. possible, with multiple-vehicle convoys for safety. ORMUSA reported that the closure of Ciudad Mujer health centers throughout the country since June 2019, shortly after President Bukele became president, had created a barrier to women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons receiving timely health services. The specialized comprehensive care includes medical care, counseling, family planning, medical examinations, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections in victims of sexual violence and services were generally available throughout the country. The government, however, did not enforce sexual harassment laws effectively. Reach the American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit at U.S. Embassy San Salvador at (503) 2501-2999. Censorship or Content Restrictions:On May 5, the Legislative Assembly reformed the printing law to eliminate tax exemptions on the importation of raw materials, machinery, and equipment for printing materials. undertows and currents make swimming at El Salvadors Pacific Coast beaches surreptitious theft of bags, backpacks, or purses. I would argue you should exercise caution no matter where in the world you travel. Piracy is punishable by a jail sentence of 2-6 years. Since 2015, Unions must meet complex requirements to register, including having a minimum membership of 35 individuals. Property Police and gangs continue to commit acts of violence against LGBTQI+ individuals. The election was generally free and fair, according to international observers. Screen for heightened risk individual and entities globally to help uncover hidden risks in business relationships and human networks. The penalty for conviction of rape is generally imprisonment for six to 10 years. Comprehensive, up-to-date data on internal displacement was not available, but the NGO Cristosal counted 200 persons displaced between January and June. All On June 23, the Sentencing Court of Cojutepeque, Cuscatlan Department, sentenced PNC officer Juan Carlos Portillo Velasquez to 12 years in prison for the aggravated rape of an adolescent in 2018. ORMUSA attributed this to several causes, including a lack of government policy for preventing pregnancies in girls and adolescents, a lack of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, and an increase in sexual violence. Workers may legally remove themselves from situations that endanger health or safety without jeopardy to their employment, but authorities did not effectively enforce this law. Former Security Minister Rogelio Rivas cited a 61% drop in femicides in the first six months of 2020, compared to the first half of 2019. As he was escorted from the court, Muyshondt declared himself as the first political prisoner of the Bukele dictatorship. Despite a court order from the Third Criminal Chamber again granting house arrest for Muyshondt, the General Directorate of Penal Centers never released him, claiming it did not have an available ankle-monitoring bracelet. official U.S. government interests. There are few incidents of identity theft. Avoid isolated El PDDH deputy attorney Beatriz Campos said most of the deaths were due to chronic diseases, including kidney failure, respiratory diseases, and HIV. Each major city, municipality, or town has a PNC delegation. Overseas Security Advisory Council In 2018 the government implemented thePublic Policy for Indigenous Communities in El Salvador, which focused on the inclusion of ethnic groups in all social and economic aspects. blind corners and over hills is common. The Three of the 296 complaints were referred to the Attorney Generals Office for prosecution, while the 293 unresolved cases remained under investigation by the PNC. The most recent allegation was submitted in March 2020 concerning sexual exploitation and abuse by Salvadoran peacekeepers deployed to the UN Mission in South Sudan, allegedly involving an exploitative relationship with an adult. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. When the priest slowed down to ask for directions, gang members surrounded his vehicle and demanded to know why he was in their neighborhood. News media occasionally The Specialized Attention Unit for Crimes related to Children, Adolescents, and Women stated that in March 2020, Maldonado Palacios offered to pay two women in exchange for sexual acts inside the barracks. assesses El Salvador at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise Nacional Civil (PNC). El In criminal cases a judge may allow a private plaintiff to participate in trial proceedings (calling and cross-examining witnesses, providing evidence, etc. transport themselves by private vehicle. The government sets the minimum wage, which varies by sector. The Internal Displacement Monitoring Center (IDMC) estimated there were 114,000 new instances of internal forced displacement due to violence during 2020 and reported the causes included threats, extortion, and assassinations perpetrated by criminal gangs. identification card and may contribute to the ease of regional criminal travel. The Ministry of Labor did not report on forced labor; however, it increased investigations. Assistance brochure. U.S. Public hospitals are very crowded. Recognizing the threat posed by MS-13, emergencies, dial, There is The law requires judicial and prison authorities to provide a video copy of the virtual trial to the defendants within 72 hours so they may exercise their right to defense. The National Civilian Police, overseen by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, is responsible for maintaining public security. The Legislative Assembly used police to escort the dismissed employees out of their workplace. assault, homicide, rape, and sexual assault) accounted Observers noted this number likely did not capture most domestic violence cases, particularly those perpetrated against women. For more information, refer to OSACs report, The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for, There is no Country Council in San Salvador. Review OSACs report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System. The U.S. Department of State has assessed San Salvador as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. significant percentage of vehicles are in disrepair, underpowered, beyond their Review OSACs report, Violent, 78,514 crime reports were filed January and March 2021. delegation. Armed robberies accounted for 27% of all reported property Water?, Shaken: The Donts of throughout San Salvador. By comparison, in 2017, according to the ministry, there were 140,700 children and adolescents working, of whom 91,257 were employed in dangerous work in the informal sector. cases reported to the Embassy involve the loss of a U.S. passport during a The presence of the investigation and legal process are common. The country has long been a dangerous place for women. Gangs forced persons to present government-issued identification cards (containing their addresses) to determine their residence. For more information, refer to OSACs report, Traveling with Medications. agreement between El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras allows for only one national police service: The, There are typically very limited, and they do not see patients quickly that are not No known international terrorist groups operate in In such circumstances detainees were permitted to request a Supreme Court review of their continued detention. The newspaper disputed the finding, saying it was an attempt by the government to again harass and threaten the organization, and it vowed to fight the finding in court if needed. There is On July 19, PNC officers in Guacotecti, Cabanas Department, killed two brothers suspected of being members of transnational gang MS-13. Seismic tremors of a magnitude of approximately 5.0 occur on a regular basis, usually causing little damage. The In lieu of requiring employers to reinstate illegally dismissed workers, the law requires employers to pay those workers the equivalent of 30 days of their basic salary for each year of service. The government-run Institute for Womens Development implements the National Care System which aims to improve the care, protection, and access to justice for victims of sexual and other types of violence. Reproductive Rights:There were no reports of coerced abortion or involuntary sterilization on the part of government authorities. Salvador is located in an active seismic zone, experiencing numerous For foreign citizens who want to live permanently in the United States. If gang members discovered that a person lived in a rival gangs territory, that person risked being killed, beaten, or denied entry to the territory. In 2014, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast, causing moderate damage and killing one person. Critics decried the ruling as an attack on democracy and pointed out that the Constitutional Chamber issuing the ruling was composed of five magistrates appointed by the Legislative Assembly on May 1 in a maneuver that was itself controversial. Medicines There was also evidence that Luna then resold these goods to a merchant who was known to sell contraband. Deputy Chief of Mission Katherine Dueholm, Teaching Excellence and Achievement Programs (TEA), Institutions will provide better attention to Salvadoran Children and Youth, Young Scholarship Recipients Complete Short Professional Training Courses, Educational Innovation Project Launched for the benefit of 300 Public Schools, Girls and Women Make Educational Gains through MCCs El Salvador Investment Compact, International bidding process for Public Private Partnership for lighting and video surveillance on selected road sections begins, Remarks by President Biden in State of the Union Address, The Administrations Approach to the Peoples Republic of China, Remarks by President Biden Announcing Actions to Continue to Hold Russia Accountable, US expert visits El Salvador for the Global Entrepreneurship Week, https://www.state.gov/religiousfreedomreport/, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/International-Parental-Child-Abduction/for-providers/legal-reports-and-data/reported-cases.html, https://www.state.gov/trafficking-in-persons-report/, https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/resources/reports/child-labor/findings. Civil society advocates expressed concern that the ban led to the wrongful incarceration of women who suffered severe pregnancy complications, including miscarriages. Vulnerable Populations; this agency employs prosecutors specially trained to air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy, Private hospitals Except in some very rural locations, police are generally Embassy assistance is limited to ensuring U.S. citizens are not mistreated, contacting family/friends, protesting breaches of due process, and providing a list of local attorneys. to the death of one person. Adults from neighboring countries were forced to work in construction, domestic work, and other informal sector jobs, sometimes under threat of physical violence. During the rainy season Inspections were scheduled under a calendar set by the Inspections Directorate or to verify a complaint, and labor inspectors did not notify the company prior to their arrival. Persons with disabilities do not have access to education, health services, public buildings, or transportation on an equal basis with others. The law does not recognize the right to strike for public and municipal employees or for workers in essential services. Strong Review OSACs Regional "first class" or "executive" commercial bus travel is generally safe, although robberies have occurred in neighboring countries. Birth Registration:Children derive citizenship by birth within the country and from their parents. well-armed street gangs MS-13 (. Women in domestic service faced exploitation, mistreatment, verbal abuse, threats, sexual harassment, and generally poor work conditions. companies. According to the ministry, from January through August 2020, officials conducted 220 child labor inspections in the formal sector and found no minors working. travelers should exercise caution, especially when expressing affection in respond to crimes expeditiously. Lesbian women said their gynecologists only focused on HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases when they learned that their patients were lesbian instead of spending time treating routine gynecological issues. In response the PNC issued memorandums on July 20 and July 22 instructing police officers to act with professionalism and to adhere to the law and respect for human rights when interacting with citizens. The Attorney General's office declined to comment, saying the case was confidential. tour companies frequently employ national police officers from the tourist While the government generally respected court orders, some agencies ignored or minimally complied with orders. Private tour companies frequently employ national police officers from the tourist police division to accompany their groups for personal security. Political, Economic, Religious, Webmountain news crime log 2021. are sports illustrated magazines worth keeping. Last Update: Reissued after periodic review with updates to the crime risk indicator. Privately Although the law prohibits discrimination based on HIV/AIDS status, Entre Amigos, an NGO that works on issues concerning LGBTQI+ persons, reported HIV-related discrimination was widespread. Villatoro accused the families of psychologically damaging their missing children who eventually are found and stated most persons leave their families because they want to leave their life partner or because they did not get enough attention at home. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking illegal drugs are strict; convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. The government said there were 1,322 homicides in El Salvador in 2020, an 80% drop from five years earlier. Crimes The document was compiled from various Many prisons and detention facilities supply only the bare minimum of basic necessities. The American Citizens Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided. Despite growing recognition of the importance of IPR, the piracy of all types of media, clothes, pharmaceuticals, and software, along with inadequate enforcement of cable broadcast rights, remain ongoing concerns. Review OSACs report, Surviving a Protest. notably declined since 2015's high of 104 per 100,000 inhabitants, El Salvador Salvadors citizenry. no Country Council in San Salvador. direct hits by hurricanes occur less frequently, they are a concern. Defendants have the right to be present in court (except in virtual trials; see below), question witnesses, and present witnesses and evidence. According to a video widely circulated on social media, PNC officers Cristian Neftali Franco Vasquez, Elvis Alirio Montenegro Beltran, Omar Alexander Pineda Chevez, and Mario Enrique Perez Chavez beat the minor to force him to reveal the hiding location of drugs and weapons. News media regularly carry reports of riders robbed at Extortion Avoid public transportation, especially local buses. U.S. government interests. The presence of armed security and the use of security features in homes have proven successful in combating home invasion. During a 72-hour period from November 9 to 11, El Salvador tallied 46 The legal framework requires persons with international protection needs to file their claim within five days of entering the country; the criteria for case decisions is unclear; and the appeals process is decided by the same government entity that issues the initial decision. The Attorney General's Office and the National Civilian Police enforce trademark and IPR by conducting raids against distributors and manufacturers of pirated goods. Civil society organizations condemned this action and characterized it as a step backwards in the fight against impunity and corruption in the country. Kevin Clarke October 14, 2021 Suspected gang members are presented to the media in San Salvador, El Salvador, in November 2020. The Inter American Press Association described the reform as a serious attack against democracy that would impact the local newspaper industry. OSAC provides the latest safety- and security-related information, public announcements, travel advisories, terrorist group profiles, country crime and safety Review the The Embassy uses Hospital Diagnostico and Hospital de la allows the police to detain individuals for up to 72 hours for administrative Nonetheless, media documented cases of transgender persons who faced harassment while voting in the municipal elections during the year because their name and photograph on their national identification document did not match their expression of gender identity. Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Review OSACs reports. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. public areas. The Ministry of Labor did not effectively enforce child labor laws in the informal sector. As of August 31, the PDDH received 65 complaints of lack of a fair public trial, compared with 12 such complaints as of August 2020. Observers noted that political and economic conditions prior to the elections may have been instrumental in swaying public support towards the Nuevas Ideas party, thus creating an unfair advantage for Nuevas Ideas candidates. (Closed on U.S. and Salvadoran holidays. Emergency Webosac mexico 2020 crime and safety reportjohn rzeznik plane crash video; osac mexico 2020 crime and safety reportporter hospital staff directory; osac mexico 2020 crime and safety reportkentucky one stop business portal osac mexico 2020 crime and safety report. On April 12, gang members in Santa Tecla, La Libertad Department, beat a 77-year-old priest who tried to circumvent heavy traffic and accidentally entered a neighborhood with gang presence. Best Practices for Maximizing Orphans and children from poor families frequently worked as street vendors and general laborers in small businesses despite the presence of law enforcement officials. (May-October), heavy and persistent storms can cause landslides, topple Corruption:On August 23, El Faro followed up on its September 2020 story accusing the Bukele administration of negotiating with senior gang leaders since 2019 to obtain electoral support and a reduction in homicides prior to this years legislative and municipal elections. Carry an adequate supply of any required medication in its original, clearly labeled container. The government did not demarcate any lands as belonging to indigenous communities. Nationals. threat of violent crime in El Salvador often leads to the curtailment of Since July, 2021 the United States has shared 3,188,570 safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine doses with the people of El Salvador free of cost. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the governments Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of El Salvadors air carrier operations. On July 15, Minister Villatoro stated the PNC would further limit access to crime scenes to prevent the publication of violent images. outside of cities and to Guatemala or Honduras during daylight hours and, if A copy of the prescription from the prescribing doctor will be El Salvador is in an active seismic zone, experiencing numerous earthquakes. The three perpetrators worked for the Ministry of Health. The macabre discovery has sent a chill through a nation that's no stranger to brutality. Review OSACs reports, Hotels: The Inns and States. The constitution provides for the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association, but there were times the government limited these freedoms (see section 7.a.). According to the DGCP, 94 inmates died between January 2020 and February 2021. According to the PDDH, many prisons had inadequate sanitation, potable water, ventilation, temperature control, medical care, and lighting. Salvadoran law authorizes the seizure, forfeiture, and destruction of Violence has become normalized in Salvadoran society, often replacing dialogue as a way to demonstrate power, said Celia Medrano, a San Salvador-based human-rights advocate. OSACs reports, The Healthy Way, The law also prohibits antiunion discrimination, although it does not require reinstatement of workers fired for union activity. LGBTI+ No formal system existed for filing with the government a discrimination complaint involving a disability. companies. Villegas was formally accused of sexual harassment of three women, including touching and improper sexual expressions. Only citizens may serve on unions executive committees. According to a CONAIPD representative, the government did not effectively enforce legal requirements for access to buildings, information, and communications for persons with disabilities. assess the standards of these hospitals to be less than those of the United Carefully assess the potential risks of recreational water activities and Most demonstrations concentrate in/around city centers or public buildings and other public areas. Public buses are often in poor mechanical condition. Traveling with Carry Attorney General Rodolfo Delgado stated that former president Antonio Saca financed his electoral campaign with $10 million donated by Taiwan for reconstruction projects following two earthquakes in 2001. goods. ), assisting the prosecuting attorney in the trial procedure. Mexico-based reporter focusing on climate change and companies with an emphasis on telecoms. The government provided annual training to military units to dissuade any potential for gross abuses of human rights, such as the training provided to the Marine Infantry Battalion by the navys Legal Unit on the need to respect human rights. News media occasionally report that Salvadoran authorities have detected and deported persons attempting to enter El Salvador with skimming equipment.
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